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Contributor I
October 28, 2017

Sonos controller problem on iOS 9.3.5

  • October 28, 2017
  • 129 replies
  • 22859 views
I have my Sonos controller on several iOS devices but after the most recent Sonos update I cannot start the Sonos Controller on my iPad with iOS 9.3.5. (it's an older iPad and iOS 9.3.5 is the most recent iOS for that device). I can start Sonos controller on my iPhone iOS 11.0.3 and then the iPad with iOS 9.3.5. picks that up and I can then continue to use the iPad with Sonos controller to choose music and so on. Not a huge thing and I have a work around but something is not working as it should, the Sonos 8.1 Software release notes say iOS 9 and higher. Can you let me know how to fix the problem?
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129 replies

Airgetlam
April 26, 2019
Being someone who deals with software that runs on both Android and iOS, I can assure you that this is a result of the change by Apple, not something that Sonos wants to do. As soon as they can no longer get support from Apple on the code base, they're in a bad position, and must stop supporting that particular version of the operating system. It's Apple who's out to get your money....
Bruce
Lyricist II
April 27, 2019
Being someone who deals with software that runs on both Android and iOS, I can assure you that this is a result of the change by Apple, not something that Sonos wants to do. As soon as they can no longer get support from Apple on the code base, they're in a bad position, and must stop supporting that particular version of the operating system. It's Apple who's out to get your money....
Funny, other app developers and other companies have no problem adapting -only sonos has! How hard is it to create an App to connect and play?! This i simuler to say "Microsoft propriatory attitude" - nothing else!
Suggest ppl head over to trustpilot and leave a "review".
pwt
Virtuoso
April 27, 2019
Funny, other app developers and other companies have no problem adapting -only sonos has! How hard is it to create an App to connect and play?!
This is factually untrue: there are plenty of apps that no longer work on obsolete iOS versions; Spotify, for example [1]. Developers like Sonos want to take advantage of features only available in later iOS versions, and Apple does not allow legacy versions of apps to coexist with newer ones in the App Store. So, how do you propose that developers work around this?

[1] https://support.spotify.com/uk/using_spotify/system_settings/spotify-system-requirements
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
Contributor I
April 27, 2019
...Apple does not allow legacy versions of apps to coexist with newer ones in the App Store. So, how do you propose that developers work around this?

I don't believe this is correct. When searching and installing the Sonos app on 9.3.5, there is a message that the current version is not compatible, but a previous version is available and that installs.

My understanding is that Sonos sets an arbitrary limit to the number of past versions (3 comes to mind) that the App can lag the firmware, then the App (be design) gives an error message and does not even attempt to function. This is likely their internal definition of legacy App support to limit full compatibility requirements with past controller versions as they evolve firmware going forward.

That said, one stripped down legacy app with necessary ports for service updates doesn't seem like it would be much of a stretch. Yes, Apple no longer supports the device, but it still turns on and functions as designed. It boots, WiFi connects, the screen turns on, etc. Controller support for Sonos devices, IMHO, is squarely in Sonos's court of responsibility.
pwt
Virtuoso
April 27, 2019
...Apple does not allow legacy versions of apps to coexist with newer ones in the App Store. So, how do you propose that developers work around this?
I don't believe this is correct. When searching and installing the Sonos app on 9.3.5, there is a message that the current version is not compatible, but a previous version is available and that installs.

You're right about this; I was misinformed. Apologies.

So, Sonos could indeed choose to maintain legacy versions of the iOS app. All versions would need to be updated as the speaker firmware was updated. This is feasible, but would require development and support investment that would otherwise be focused on other things. It's a matter of opinion whether they're making the right trade-offs.

Also, as @airgetlam states, there's no support from Apple for development on legacy iOS versions. If Sonos hits an iOS bug, that's tough.
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
jgatie
April 27, 2019
Actually, Apple does not allow you to update legacy versions, they must stay as originally released. That is why Sonos does not keep legacy apps, because they would almost immediately be out of sync with the firmware.
pwt
Virtuoso
April 27, 2019
Actually, Apple does not allow you to update legacy versions, they must stay as originally released. That is why Sonos does not keep legacy apps, because they would almost immediately be out of sync with the firmware.
Ah, that's the limitation -- thanks. That does seem rather restrictive on Apple's part.
4 x P:5 | Sub | 4 x P:1 | 3 x Connect | 2 x Boost | Connect:Amp | 2 x One | Amp | Move | Port | Era 300
Lyricist III
April 27, 2019
SONOPAD *** SONOPAD *** SONOPAD *** SONOPAD *** SONOPAD *** SONOPAD
It is only $4 and it ROCKS!
I really don't give a damn about the "back story" with Apple and SONOS. Apples business strategy of "planed obsolesce" is scandalous and an assault on the "thinking man". They indoctrinate stupid millennials at an early age and brainwash them into thinking there is no other way (don't get me started). Apple and SONOS are either "in bed together" or Apple is putting the "screws" to SONOS to comply with their world vision of "planned obsolesce". All I know is some independent developer dude has an app available that works flawlessly on IOS 9.3.5. Go figure.
Airgetlam
April 27, 2019
Just to bash everyone equally, it isn't just Apple that removes access to data about older the older non-supported OS. All makers of operating systems do this.
Bruce
Lyricist III
April 27, 2019
Just to bash everyone equally, it isn't just Apple that removes access to data about older the older non-supported OS. All makers of operating systems do this.
Yes, this is true. However no one does as often and egregiously as Apple. I am still not sure that Sonos' hands are tied by Apple. I have order Netflix apps that will show a "pop-up" saying that it is a "legacy" version and that some features may not work. Why is this not possible with Sonos? Why is Sonos forcing customers to upgrade their controllers. Why can some 3rd party dude offer up an app that does what the Sonos app should be doing. So many unanswered questions.